The Asheville Fire Department is accepting application for its Citizens Fire Academy. This program is designed to teach adult residents 18 years and older about the philosophy, policies, and guiding principles of the Asheville Fire Department and its services to the community. It gives citizens an inside look at the challenges firefighters face daily. Residents also have an opportunity to offer comments, ideas and solutions.

This year’s academy will be held starting March 28 and lasts nine consecutive weeks consisting of three-hour classes held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. There will be an additional day for a graduation ceremony.

This course will consist of basic classroom instruction, presentations and demonstrations on topics such as the history of the AFD, Fire Marshal’s Office functions, fire prevention methods, hazardous materials mitigation, rescue operations, ladder operations and engine operations. Participants will have an opportunity to ride on a fire truck. There will be some sort of hands-on, physical activity of differing agility planned for each class.

The Citizens Fire Academy is designed to:

Increase public awareness of fire department responsibilities and operations.

Build a stronger relationship between the community and the Asheville Fire Department.
Provide the public the opportunity for feedback and suggestions.

Increase community support and awareness about the Asheville Fire Department operations through education and exchanging of ideas.